Incer's name has been associated with the vacancies at both Wigan and Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Preston in recent weeks and now with the Rams who sacked Billy Davies on Monday.

But the club responded with a statement.

It read: "Paul Ince is the hottest young manager in English football and it comes as no surprise that his name continues to be linked to managerial posts in higher divisions.

"A manager of Paul's profile inevitably attracts speculation of this nature but we will not allow it to compromise the excellent start Paul and the team have made to the season."